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Sometimes you're born with it. And sometimes that curvy, hourglass silhouette of yours is helped along by a little fashion item called the waist cincher. Some waist cinchers are foundation garments meant to be worn under clothes like other shapewear. But others can be worn on the outside of your outfit.
Waist Cincher Characteristics
Waist cinchers sit beneath the breasts and extend downward to the top of the hips. They constrict the abdomen, creating the illusion of a narrower waist. Some waist cinchers are simply a tube of elasticized fabric plus a zipper or hooks for closure. Others are embellished with lace. Some models also sport boning of plastic or steel to help with shaping.
Look at My Lace
Waist cinchers finished with lace or a swank fabric such as satin, brocade or leather, as well as those styled like mini-corsets complete with lacing and boning, deserve to be shown off on top of your clothes rather than hidden underneath.
How to Wear It
Try a waist cincher over a flowing peasant-style blouse or caftan-style dress for a look that combines billowy romance with a defined silhouette. You can also wear your cincher over a closer-fitting sweater, tee, tank or dress for an extra hint of danger. For an even more-daring choice, wear the cincher over something sheer. Whatever you decide, wearing a waist cincher on the outside definitely evokes a sexy vintage vibe. It's great for goth and fetish clubs, Renaissance fairs, steampunk events and burlesque shows.
What About Garters?
If your waist cincher has garter attachments, wear stockings hooked up to them or tuck the attachments underneath your cincher where they can't be seen. Dangling garter attachments is a fashion no-no. They just look sloppy.
